Information
Landmark: Hawks Nest TrailCity: Eagar
Country: USA Arizona
Continent: North America
Hawks Nest Trail, Eagar, USA Arizona, North America
Overview
The Hawks Nest Trail, often called the Hawks Nest Rail Trail, winds through Hawks Nest State Park near Ansted, West Virginia, offering an easy trek with wide views of the surrounding hills, at the same time winding along the banks of Mill Creek, this trail leads you through a quiet, forested canyon where the scent of pine hangs in the air, blending natural beauty, rich history, and plenty of ways to explore.Hawks Nest State Park sits on the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway-U, alternatively s.Route 60-roughly an hour east of Charleston, West Virginia, where winding roads open to sweeping cliffside views, and the park and trail draw day-trippers, families, and nature lovers eager for easy-to-moderate hikes-think winding paths shaded by tall pines and plenty to explore.The trail stretches about 1.9 miles (3.1 km) in one direction, so you’re looking at roughly 3.8 miles for the full out-and-back-enough for a brisk afternoon hike past rustling pines, as well as the trail’s an easy one, gentle enough for everyone-from kids skipping over pebbles to seasoned hikers out for a relaxed trek.The trail’s surface is a mix of smooth gravel and packed dirt, tracing the heritage route of a long-gone rail line, so the ground stays mostly flat and steady underfoot, then it’s a great spot for mountain biking, running, or just strolling along the trail with pine needles crunching underfoot.You’ll find the main trail entrance just beside the Hawks Nest State Park Nature Center, with plenty of parking and the scent of pine in the air, besides start your hike here, then follow the trail as it winds downstream beside Mill Creek, where the water slips over smooth stones.The trail links into a web of winding paths and quiet overlooks scattered throughout the park, alternatively along the trail, Mill Creek Falls stands out as one of its most lovely sights-a bold, 20‑foot plunge where water crashes into a foaming pool below, loosely From the trail, you get a clear view of the falls-white water spilling over dim rock-perfect for a photo and a quiet moment in nature, likewise the trail twists through an vintage forest where oaks, maples, and hickories tower overhead, with occasional pockets of pine scenting the air.Nature lovers and birdwatchers might catch sight of lively songbirds flitting between branches, curious squirrels darting across the path, and, if they’re lucky, a deer stepping quietly from the trees, on top of that since the trail runs along an classical railway corridor, you’ll pass weathered timbers and rusted rails-quiet reminders of the coal mining days that built this region, generally Near the trail, you can still spot crumbling coal mine walls and rusted machinery from the early 1900s, offering hikers a vivid glimpse into the area’s mining heyday, along with along the trail, hikers step onto two wooden trestle bridges that stretch across the rushing waters of Mill Creek.The bridges enhance the trail’s charm and history, offering glimpses of a rushing creek and sheer cliffs rising overhead, as a result with its gentle slopes and a trail wide enough for two bikes to pass, this spot’s perfect for both hikers and mountain bikers.The trail’s gentle, even slope makes it easy on the legs, perfect for a relaxed stroll or a smooth ride past the rustle of leaves, then just down the road, the nature center invites visitors to explore hands-on exhibits about local ecology and the rugged geology of the area.Oddly enough, Along the trail, interpretive signs share stories of the land and its past-a rustle of oak leaves overhead, the scent of sun-warmed earth-bringing the area to life for every visitor, furthermore under the shade of towering pines, with the sound of water trickling nearby and traces of history in stone and wood, the trail draws photographers, painters, and anyone craving a peaceful moment in nature.You can park at the Hawks Nest State Park Nature Center or in one of the nearby lots, just steps from the main trailhead, moreover there’s no charge to meander the trail-you can just step onto the dusty path and go.You’ll need to buy a ticket to ride the aerial tram down into the gorge, the only way to reach certain areas of the park, along with dogs are welcome here-just keep them on a leash at all times so the ducks on the pond and fellow visitors stay secure.The best time to go is spring or fall, when the air feels mild and the trees burst with shining, rustling leaves, likewise summer often brings thick, heavy heat, so it’s smart to carry water and a bit of shade-like a wide‑brim hat-wherever you go.Few hikers come in winter, but those who do find a hushed, stark beauty-snow crunching underfoot and air sharp in their lungs, and the trail’s in good shape, with clear signs along the way, but watch your step near the creek’s edge and on the wooden bridges slick from morning dew.Most wildlife won’t harm you, but it’s wise to keep your distance-give that curious fox a wide berth, therefore while you’re at Hawks Nest State Park, take time to explore more than the trails-like the aerial tram that glides 750 feet down into the gorge, where the wind smells faintly of pine and the view will stop you in your tracks.Clifftop Restaurant and Lodge offers hearty meals and cozy rooms, all with sweeping views where the horizon melts into the sea, likewise you can fish in the creek or spread out lunch at one of the picnic tables tucked under the shade of tall oaks.Somehow, The Hawks Nest Trail winds gently through Hawks Nest State Park, offering an easy stroll where quiet woods meet the echoes of its rich railroad past, besides natural waterfalls tumble into quiet pools, trails wind through green forests, and weathered coal mining relics stand along gentle hills-together offering visitors of any age an easy, inviting path into West Virginia’s Appalachian heritage and beauty.You can hike, bike, or just sit by Mill Creek listening to the water, and the trail still offers plenty to reward both nature lovers and history buffs.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-06
